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Please note: We are in the process of revising this page to contain better and more fully-fleshed out information. Policies are correct and updated as of June 2014. We are hoping to be able to reach out to other libraries and update this information soon. The information below, however, is still reasonably correct. If you are a SWON Member Library and would like to change your information or policies, please contact us at info@swonlibraries.org. Thanks for your understanding.

To Obtain Materials from Another Library: Information for Issuing Libraries

Issuing SWON Cards

Most SWON Supporting Member Institutions which loan materials will allow patrons from other Supporting Member libraries to borrow materials and/or obtain a library card for the purpose of borrowing materials.

To get your patrons started with this process, the Issuing Library needs to know a few things:

SWON has a "SWON Card" or borrowing credential that libraries may print out (located in the file collection bottom of this page) and give to thier patrons to take to other institutions ( hereafter referred to as the "Lending Library"). Libraries may want to print on card stock for durability.

Libraries will need to write the name of their institution, the date they are issuing the card, and the library's phone number, in case the Lending Library has any questions.

Your patron will print their name and sign.

Your patron can then take this card to any participating Lending Library which loans materials (some of our member institutions do not lend out materials at all).

Ohio & Kentucky Libraries do not have any sort of union catalog, but searches may be conducted via WorldCat.org to ascertain which Lending Libraries might have the materials your patron needs.

Make sure and call the Lending Library to verify they still own the item as well as its checkout status.

You may want to establish this library's policies and procedures regarding SWON Cards during this call.

Borrowing Procedures

Library cardholders will present their SWON Card to the Lending Library.

There is a list of Lending Library Contact and policies below, but it is not comprehensive. Most of our Supporting Members will honor SWON borrowing agreements, but if you are unsure, contact the library.

Many of our Lending Libraries will also accept a valid library card from another Supporting Member Institution as "proof" that the borrower is a cardholder from a SWON Institution and will not require a SWON card, however this policy varies. Libraries may want to issue a SWON Card as a precaution.

Patrons may need to show photo ID when presenting the SWON Card to a Lending Library.

Libraries don't see a lot of these cards, so if the Lending Library has questions, refer them to us at info@swonlibraries.org, call us at 513-751-4422

If we are unavailable, you may attempt to get in touch the person listed as the Contact on the list below or you may find it helpful to refer anyone with questions to this webpage at swon.li/swoncard

Returning Items, Policies, Fines & Fees

Lending Libraries may have specific restrictions for SWON borrowers such as yearly expiration dates on cards, reduced borrowing times or reduced item limits. These policies are set by the institutions and may change at any time. There are files containing the most current policies we have been given below.

Patrons are responsible for returning the items to the Lending Library and are subject to any fees and fines for late or damaged items per the Lending Library's policy.

If a patron does not return an item on time, the Issuing Library agrees to cooperate in the recovery of the materials within legal limitations and in accordance with their own policies.

Patrons are otherwise subject to any loan periods, item limits, fines and any other policy as set forth by the Lending Library.

To Lend Materials to SWON Cardholders (Lending Libraries)

Most SWON Supporting Member Institutions which loan materials will issue a library card to any cardholder from another SWON Member Institution. Your library's polices may be contained in the file collections below, but these may change at any time. If you are unsure, you may want to contact the person listed in the Contact List in the file collection below, or whomever is responsible for you ILL policy.

Accepting a SWON Card

When presented with a SWON Card (you can see what that looks like in the file collection below), libraries may ask for photo ID.

To check out items to a SWON cardholder, libraries may use any method they like to issue borrowing privileges to the patron.

Most libraries simply create a new library card per their library's usual methods.

Libraries may also use the SWON card itself as the library card.

Some institutions simply place a barcode and (if applicable) an expiration date on the back of the card.

Libraries may use any method they choose to designate the SWON card as the patron's library card.

Libraries may use any other methods according to library policy to lend materials to SWON cardholders.

If you have any questions, you may contact us us at info@swonlibraries.org, call us at 513-751-4422 or call the phone number of the Issuing Library as listed on the SWON Card

Lending to SWON Cardholders

Libraries may have specific restrictions for SWON borrowers such as yearly expiration dates on cards, reduced borrowing times or reduced item limits. These policies are set by your institutions and may change at any time. There are files containing the most current policies we have been given below.

Patrons are responsible for returning the items to the the library and are subject to any fees and fines for late or damaged items as per policy.

If the patron does not return the item on time, you may contact the Issuing Library to seek their cooperation in the recovery of the materials within legal limitations and in accordance with their library's policy.

Patrons are otherwise subject to any loan periods, item limits, fines and any other policy as set forth by the library.

Questions & Updating Your Library's Information

If you have any question or concerns about the process, would like to confirm a library's participation in our Borrowing Agreement, would like to change a library's contact for our Borrowing Agreement or otherwise make any changes in a library's Borrowing Agreement procedures, please email us at info@swonlibraries.org or call us at 513-751-4422

Borrowing Agreement (Direct Lend) Files

These are files related to our direct lend/borrowing agreement program, including a PDF copy of the SWON Librarie Card (Borrowing Credential) to be issued to your patrons so that they may obtain a card or borrowing privileges from other libraries.